Bruce Springsteen Cleveland show May 22

Bruce Springsteen’s May 22 show in Cleveland was one of the final arena dates on his Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour, and it followed the format that has defined much of the run: a long set, political stage remarks and a fixed sequence of songs built around protest material and catalog staples. Billboard reported that Springsteen played Rocket Arena as the 17th stop of the 20-date tour and the start of its final week. Cleveland.com reported the concert ran nearly three hours, while Billboard put the performance at two hours and 50 minutes. ### How long was the Cleveland show, and what did he play? Cleveland.com reported that Springsteen and the E Street Band delivered a nearly three-hour concert at Rocket Arena on May 22. Billboard said the show featured 27 songs over roughly two hours and 50 minutes. Billboard said the set opened with “War” and closed with Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom.” The publication also said the setlist had remained unchanged since Springsteen added The Clash’s “Clampdown” during the third show of the tour in Inglewood, California. (billboard.com) Cult Following reported that the Cleveland performance included covers of The Clash and Bob Dylan, and said Tom Morello appeared with Springsteen and the E Street Band. (cleveland.com) Cleveland.com’s setlist report also described the night as a mix of signature songs and politically framed material. (billboard.com) ### What did Springsteen say from the stage? Billboard reported that Springsteen used the Cleveland stop to continue his criticism of President Donald Trump and described Trump’s policies as “reckless, racist, incompetent, treasonous.” The same report said he also referred to a “super fools administration.” Cleveland.com reported that the concert mixed major songs from Springsteen’s catalog with criticism of the Trump administration and repeated calls for hope. (cultfollowing.co.uk) Billboard said the political framing was reinforced by the structure of the set itself, beginning with “War” and ending with “Chimes of Freedom.” (billboard.com) ### Why was Cleveland a notable stop on this tour? Billboard reported that Cleveland was the 17th date of the tour and the beginning of its final week. The publication said Springsteen thanked the city “for a lifetime” of devotion and referenced the Agora, the Cleveland venue known for its 1970s live radio broadcasts. The Cleveland date also came late in a tour Springsteen announced in February as a run “in defense of America,” according to Billboard’s tour announcement. (cleveland.com) That earlier report said the 20-date U.S. run began on March 31 in Minneapolis. ### Was the setlist different from other recent shows? Billboard reported that the Cleveland setlist was not materially different from recent stops and said “Clampdown” had stayed in the show since it was introduced in Inglewood. (billboard.com) Cult Following likewise reported before and after Cleveland that covers of The Clash and Bob Dylan had become regular parts of the tour’s 27-song set. (billboard.com) That continuity appears to be part of the tour’s design. Billboard said the repertoire was “carefully considered and curated,” linking the opening protest song to the final Dylan cover. That is Billboard’s characterization of the show’s construction, not a new statement from Springsteen. ### What comes next on the itinerary? Billboard reported that Springsteen’s next major stop is May 27 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. (billboard.com) The same report said the tour will wrap on May 30 in Philadelphia after that date was postponed because of an NBA scheduling conflict.